What is November 11 called in France, where it commemorates the 1918 armistice?

In France, November 11 is called Armistice Day, or “Jour d’armistice,” commemorating the 1918 armistice.

The armistice between the Allies and Germany took effect on November 11, 1918, ending fighting on the Western Front in World War I. France treats the date as a national public holiday and holds ceremonies at war memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

France’s observance helps explain why November 11 has related names in several countries. The United States originally called its holiday Armistice Day before renaming it Veterans Day in 1954.

Armistice Day is not the same as France’s separate May 8 observance, which marks the end of World War II in Europe. The two dates commemorate different wars and historical events.